Air BnB has the BEST strategy for helping in emergency situations

We're big fans of Air BnB. Where else could you find incredible, homely accommodation at discount prices all over the world?

But we recently discovered that Air BnB isn't just playing its part in providing us all with nice places to stay. After stumbling across the app's 'disaster response' strategy, we're seriously impressed with everything they're doing to help when it comes to emergency situations.

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The world is pretty on edge lately; what with the Brussels attacks last week, the Paris attacks last year, and a number of natural disasters wreaking havoc in between. At times like these, we all need to pull together, and Air BnB is certainly doing its bit.

The scenes in Brussels just last week

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In 2013, following a very wise suggestion from its community, the accommodation-renting app launched its disaster response initiative. When disasters strike - whether they're terror related or naturally occurring - the app can activate its response tool for a designated geographic area.

When this tool is activated, all Air BnB hosts in the affected area are contacted to see if they can help in any way. Air BnB waives all service fees, allowing hosts to take in those in need at no cost, providing help and support to anyone in the community who really needs their help.

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And if you think about it, it's a brilliant idea. Remember the chaos we all witnessed in Paris last November, when the whole city went into lockdown following a series of violent assaults on innocent people in a number of locations. People were fleeing the streets, afraid of having nowhere to go.

The aftermath of the Paris attacks

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Public transport was closed for safety, the phone lines were probably down due to intense demand, and taxis were probably few and far between. In short, the people in Paris on that day in November needed help.

With the help of a disaster response tool such as Air BnB's, lives could be saved, and the trauma people caught up suffer could be significantly reduced.

So far, the tool has helped thousands of New Yorkers stranded during Superstorm Sandy. It came into play in San Diego following major fires, helped victims of the flooding in Serbia, Bosnia, London, Sardinia, Croatia and Colorado, was put into action in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, as well as plenty more awful situations.

Typhoon Haiyan left utter devastation in the Philippines

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So four for YOU, Air BnB. Doing good things in the world to make a difference. We like your style.

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